The 17th President of the Repubic, President Bongbong Marcos approved the recommendations extending the successfull “Libreng Sakay” of PUVs, MRT-3, PNR and EDSA Bus Carousel until December 2022 according to the latest announcement made by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
The Libreng Sakay program was initiated by the administration of former President Rody Duterte and it was scheduled to end on June 30, 2022.
As reported previously, the Land Transportation and Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) explained that it had decided to end the contract for the remaining jeepneys plying 28 major routes in Metro Manila due to the exhaustion of funds by the national government.
Under the administration of Pres. Rody Duterte, the LTFRB was given at least P7-billion fund for the Libreng Sakay program coming from the national budget.
The Duterte administration claimed that it spends at least P14 million a day to pay for the contracted PUVs that cater to the daily increase and influx of passengers.
Based on records a total of 118 routes offering free rides ended their Libreng Sakay program starting from June 16, 2022.
As reported earlier, MRT-3 general manager Michael Capate explained that the MRT-3 management decided to end their program until the term of Duterte ends, but it is up to the Marcos administration if they will continue the said program.
Pres. Marcos issued a memo after a recent meeting with officials, headed by DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista and Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez, at the Malacañang Palace.
Portion of the memo reads “Considering the availability of budget for Service Contracting under the General Appropriations of 2022, the undersigned recommends the continuation of the Libreng Sakay (Free Ride) program for all passengers of the Edsa Bus Carousel,”
President BBM’s move will surely ease the burden on rising living expense and help Filipinos save money, especially with the impending return of face-to-face classes after more than two years.
